Ecumenism: The Real Focus

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39)

Ecumenism should not be about trying to convert other Christians over to your faith. As the Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe says, "Genuine ecumenism is not about convincing non-Catholics to become Catholics, or convincing Catholics to become Protestant – or to pretend that we are not Catholic or Protestant. Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect."

My thoughts are that this position, while true, still does not convey the whole message for the necessity of ecumenism. Deeply devout Christians are often converted to Christianity as a result of attending a specific faith group and naturally tend to be loyal to that group. Understandable. That particular faith group was the conduit through which that person feels his life was saved. And it was saved! Saved from the clutches of the "enemy"! And that's where the Christian ecumenism movement should be focused...on the "enemy", not on our differences. That's the distraction satan is counting on!

Matthew quotes Jesus in his Gospel, "A kingdom torn by strife is headed for its downfall. A household split into factions cannot last for long." (12:25), and later, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (12:30). As the old saying goes, "United we stand, divided we fall."

Reminds me of a hungry lion targeting his prey in a herd. If he can get a single animal detached from the group...it's curtains for the helpless animal. That's not to say it is impossible for a single "water buffalo or antelope" to somehow escape the jaws of death without the help of his buddies...but the odds are certainly against him. "We should not absent ourselves from the assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25)

Interesting that Peter uses a lion metaphor to describe satan's strategy. "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

Let's examine:

1. Lions are opportunist hunters, and, after a careful stalk, will take the closest animal regardless of its age, sex or condition.

2. Most hunting takes place under the poor light conditions of early evening or dawn, and during the night. During daylight when prey animals themselves are better able to see, the lion is at a disadvantage, as its hunting technique depends on stalking within range of its prey.

3. Lions hunt primarily by sight. Although visual cues will trigger the hunt.

4. Lions are powerful animals that usually hunt in coordinated groups (the enemy has help) and stalk their chosen prey.

5. They take advantage of factors that reduce visibility; many kills take place near some form of cover or at night. They sneak up to the victim.

6. They like to stalk prey on the "wing" of the herd.

Christians have plenty of available resources to deflect satan's attack.That's the good news! We just have to utilize them. Every evil in this world is the result of satan's activities. We must pray constantly to our Lord that He will prevent the liar from corrupting our lives and the lives of all people around the world. "In all circumstances hold faith up before you as your shield; it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the devil." (Ephesians 6:16). Once we allow the Holy Spirit to indwell in our hearts, we can then have the confidence of knowing that, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) and ,"No weapon formed against you shall prevail." (Isaiah 54:17).

Paul says we are engaged in Christian warfare and we must, "Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires and hold your ground." (Ephesians 6:11-13).

"Lions frequently suffer injuries when killing dangerous game, and have been known to back down when the prey species stands its ground."

So let's review on how to best keep the enemy from getting to us:

1. Stay sober and alert. (1 Peter 5:8)

2. Put on your spiritual armor every day. (Ephesians 6:13-16)

3. Go to Church, join a Christian faith community. (Hebrews 10:32)

4. Stand your ground. (Ephesians 6:13)

5. Love God and love your neighbor. (Matthew 22:37-40)

"What unites us is much greater than what divides us." (Pope John XXIII in 1963). Let's not get distracted and become an easy vulnerable target!